ICYMI - Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District - Milltown School Highlights from April

The residents of a small community of students better known as the Milltown Primary School are connected in and out of school. Staff members and students welcomed Bridgewater-Raritan High School students into their tight-knit community

They gathered during afternoons when school is dismissed to not only practice basketball in the gym but to focus on the important issues in their lives—inclusion, and teamwork.

The community leaders who coordinate the Milltown Basketball Buddies program are Debbie Shah-Patel, Gina Quaglia, Quinn Hickey and Dayna Thomas. They are joined by the  Milltown Principal, Dr. Matt Lembo, 15 Milltown staff members, and eight high school students who served as coaches.

Their devotion and preparation led to the 18th Milltown Basketball Buddies Tournament at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School gymnasium on Wednesday, April 2.

The game put the Milltown Maroon squad against the Milltown Gold. Each player received a trophy at the end of the game.

Ms. Shah-Patel provided her summary of this lively evening of fun and hoops.

“Adding to the excitement, Milltown School Physical Education Teacher Mrs. (Shannon) Chartowich kept the energy high as the evening’s sports commentator, engaging the crowd with her humor and dynamic play-by-plays,” Ms. Shah-Patel reported. “Meanwhile, the DJ kept everyone on their feet, dancing and celebrating throughout the night.”

She also revealed that “for two hours, Milltown School was filled with pure fun, excitement, and school spirit—making this a night to remember! “

The mission behind this game that brings special education students together with their fellow schoolmates who are involved as 4th Grade Peer Models is explained by the classy staff members who shape this all together.

“At Milltown School, our Character Education program fosters essential values, and during this month of April, we're focusing on Acceptance. A shining example of this is our Basketball Buddies program, which beautifully embodies the spirit of inclusion and teamwork,” Ms. Shah-Patel declared.

Ms. Hickey believed that this program “is incredible because it fosters inclusion and teamwork by bringing together special education students and general education students to bond over sports.”

Mrs. Thomas chimed in as well.

“ Basketball Buddies program enhances Milltown’s school spirit by uniting students of all abilities in a shared experience, reinforcing the values of respect, belonging, and mutual success! Go Team Gold! Go, Team Maroon,: Ms. Thomas said.

Ms. Quaglia also agreed.  “ It brings high schoolers, teachers, and 4th peers together to create an inclusive experience where everyone benefits,” Ms. Quaglia shared.

Mrs. Shah-Patel also noted that the message of Acceptance extends beyond the students.

She expressed how thrilled she is about how this special event has made such an impact at Milltown.  "It was truly incredible to see so many children, grandchildren, and spouses of Milltown staff in attendance. The message of acceptance and inclusion rang loud and clear as our Milltown Family came together to make this event a great success!"

She concluded:  “It truly takes a village to bring an event like the Basketball Buddies Tournament to life!”

 Milltown Staff Volunteers:

Meghan Friedman, Courtney Rothkugel, Amy Stires, Jaime Bowman, Maggie Korbo, Eleni Ward, Joanne Weems, Debbie L. Rothbard, Cassandra Bloomer, Shannon Chartowich,

Bryan Smith, Melissa Sblendorio, Debbie Shah-Patel, Gina Quaglia, Dayna Thomas, Quinn Hickey and Principal Dr. Matt Lembo

Here are the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Senior coaches:

John Daniel Koroneos, Michael Gagliano, Ava Marcella, Kushal Patel, Rebecca Lin Madeline Caughron Jayden Patel and Liel Raines-Moshe

The players:

Luciano Esposito, Ayushi Das, Carissa Goldberg, Ava Fernandes, Vasilisa Malenkova,Samuel, Stowe, Anaya Rivera, Martin Sindab, Brielle Queen ,Ta’Nyla McKenzie, Shashank Balaraj, Riya Arun, Savannah Williams, Noah Scales, Vihaan Pasumarthy, Visishta Kolli, Prayaan Sharma, Ridhaan Wadhawan,Swara Deshmukh, Thulasi Naguleswaran, Chris Kurzweil, Vivaan Sharma, Pharin Kokulan, Milan Labanda, Siddanth Udaiyakumar, Kabir Dhingra, James Ward, Asrita Vinothkumar

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